Food truck rally in Lower Burrell will benefit fire company

Lower Burrell’s Fire Company No. 3 will have its third food truck rally from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The events have turned into successful fundraisers that were much needed after the covid-19 pandemic shut down traditional events to draw the public and funds. Each of the previous rallies has raised more than $6,000 for the company.

“We change each food truck rally to make it unique, and that keeps people intrigued,” said Brennan Sites, assistant chief of Company No. 3.

Saturday’s rally will feature 16 food and drink vendors, including ones with craft beer and craft wine. There also will be a DJ, raffles and more.

A free children’s game area with prizes, free balloons for children 11 and younger and a children’s “Become a Firefighter” photo opportunity also are planned.

“Lower Burrell No. 3’s commitment to these food truck roundups not only benefits them but gives the community a nice event to look forward to,” City Councilman Chris Fabry said.

The food truck rallies have become one of the company’s largest sources of income. The fire company receives a percentage of all items sold at the event.

The food truck event earlier this year attracted 3,500 patrons in five hours, Sites said.

Proceeds will help pay for maintenance at the fire house — which will cost at least $60,000 — including repointing the brick, replacing inoperable windows and repainting the building, Sites said.

“The food truck rallies brought in a good amount of fundraising for us when everyone was hurting for fun,” he said. “It’s provided with us a good, positive opportunity to interact with our residents rather than during an emergency.”